Short-term effects of morphine include pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness and pinpoint pupils. These effects last approximately two to four hours after ingestion.[4]
An overdose of morphine may lead to severe symptoms, such as extreme drowsiness, slowed heart rate and slow or shallow breathing that require immediate medical intervention.[1] Without quick response, such as administration of naloxone, morphine overdose can be fatal.
Morphine is an opioid medication prescribed to treat severe postoperative pain and pain associated with cancer and cancer treatment.[4]
Though the drug is safe when used for the short term and as directed, it has a high potential for misuse, which can lead to opioid use disorder (OUD).
While limiting the perception of pain, morphine also affects the reward system of the brain. It binds to opioid receptors and triggers the release of dopamine, which brings feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, tolerance builds up, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve similar effects, driving people to take more and more of the drug.[7]
Even at low doses, morphine can slow down breathing and heart rate. When it is taken at high doses, the central nervous system depression can become life threatening and cause overdose.[4] In fact, of the 107,000 drug overdose deaths that occurred in 2021, more than 75% involved opioids like morphine, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1]
Short-term side effects of morphine include physical, psychological and behavioral effects.[2-4,7]
Physical Side EffectsBehavioral Side EffectsPsychological Side EffectsDrowsinessEuphoriaReduced or increased anxietyConstipationSlurred speechMood swingsNauseaImpaired coordinationConfusionVomitingJudgment problemsHallucinationsItchinessAgitationDepersonalizationSweatingRestlessnessImpaired memoryDry mouthAltered sleep patternsIrritabilityReduced heart rateIncreased energyParanoiaConstricted pupilsHyperactivityDepressionShallow breathingTalkativenessDelirium
Some effects of morphine use will last longer than others. For some people, effects may linger, while others bypass many of the side effects altogether. Each person is different.
The length of time that any morphine effects last will be impacted by the dose, use of other medications, personal metabolism and other factors.
When taken intravenously, morphine’s effects will generally begin almost immediately. Peak effects will be reached within 15 to 30 minutes and usually last between two to four hours.[4]
When taken orally as a syrup or in tablet form, effects usually do not begin for about 30 minutes, with peak effects occurring within an hour. The effects will generally last for about the same amount of time as they would if the person were to intravenously take the drug (about two to four hours) unless the tablet is long acting. In this case, effects may last anywhere from eight to 24 hours depending on the type of pill.[4]
Morphine overdose is a potentially deadly medical phenomenon and should be addressed right away. Look for the following signs of morphine overdose:[1,3]
Call 911 immediately if morphine overdose is suspected. If you have naloxone on hand, administer it.[8] This could be a life-saving action.
If someone has been misusing morphine regularly, it’s a clear indication that help is needed. Look for these signs of morphine misuse:[5]
Morphine withdrawal occurs when someone who is physically dependent on morphine stops or reduces their use of the drug.[4]
Over time, tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine can develop even when the drug is used as prescribed. Even without a psychological dependence, it can be hard to stop taking the drug without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal include the following:[3,4,7]
It is not recommended that anyone taking morphine (with or without a prescription) stop taking it without the oversight and care of medical professionals. Attempting to push through withdrawal symptoms without help can lead to relapse. If relapse occurs during an attempted detox, overdose is possible, and this could be fatal.
There are medications available that can manage the symptoms of withdrawal. These medications allow patients to safely stop misusing morphine. They limit withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process easier to complete.
Morphine can be an effective tool in relieving severe pain, but misuse could pose life-threatening consequences. The good news is that effective treatments exist that can help people in crisis manage their opioid dependence and build a better future.
Bicycle Health offers assistance and support for individuals dealing with OUD through our Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program. We use Suboxone, a medication that is considered to be the gold standard in treatment for OUD.
When used in combination with a comprehensive therapeutic plan that is tailored to each individual patient, Suboxone can be an incredibly effective way to stop taking morphine entirely. With this kind of support, you can put all misuse of opioids like morphine in your past.
Learn more about how we can help you or your loved one move closer to a more balanced life in recovery when you contact us today. We’re ready to get you started right away with our telehealth services.
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role of the brain dopamine system in substance use disorders and in aging. He also studies brain function in obesity and eating disorders.
